KKR vs DC: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
The IPL 2019 is close to its half-way mark.
Match number 26 promises to be a thriller as Kolkata Knight Riders take on Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.
While KKR would aim to notch their fifth win of the season, DC look ready to upset the hosts to climb up the table.
Here is the match preview.
Latest story
KKR go down fighting against CSK, DC thrash RCB
The Knights, who have been enjoying a lethal form since the start of the season, went down fighting in a low-scoring match against Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets.
As for DC, they annihilated an already troubled Royal Challengers Bangalore, beating them by four wickets in an away tie.
Iyer and his boys would look to continue in the same vein in Kolkata tonight.
Team news
Russell, Rabada and Iyer: Players to watch out for
As for players to watch out for, KKR's explosive all-rounder Andre Russell would once again be in focus.
Even in the game against CSK, he slammed a half-century.
DC's pacer Kagiso Rabada will challenge Russell, as these two have a battle in hand.
Further, DC skipper Shreyas Iyer was prolific in the last game, and would look to deliver another effective innings atop.
Head-to-head
KKR have psychological edge over DC
The head-to-head encounters between these two clearly show KKR enter as favorites.
In 23 IPL matches, 13 have been won by KKR, while DC have pocketed nine.
Out of 20 matches in India, KKR have 13 wins, while DC have six.
At the Eden Gardens, KKR have won seven out of eight ties.
Meanwhile, the previous tie, this season, saw DC triumph via Super-Over.
Pitch report
Another run feast awaits at Eden?
The venue has hosted just two matches this season.
Both the matches have been high-scoring, with more than 180 runs being scored in all the innings.
Thus, it seems likely that the track would remain the same and another run feast awaits.
This could mean another fine show by Russell is on the cards.
From DC, Rishabh Pant would look to deliver the goods.
Predicted XI
Here's the predicted Playing XI
KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish, Dinesh Karthik (c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Harry Gurney, Prasidh Krishna.
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant, Rahul Tewatia, Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane.
Dream XI: Pant (c), Lynn, Nitish, Iyer, Shaw, Russell, Morris, Kuldeep, Krishna, Rabada, Lamichhane.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Delhi Capitals (DC).
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Time: 8 PM (IST).
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports.
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.